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Pregnant mum had drug farm

A HEAVILY-pregnant mum had a large cannabis factory with a potential value of £16,000 hidden in the attic of her Oswaldtwistle family home.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Kelly Wilson had been reluctant to let police search her property when they turned up to speak to her about something else. They found more than 40 drugs plants.

Wilson was then rushed to hospital as she thought she was having contractions and after that was ‘somewhat elusive’ when officers tried to get to speak to her.

The hearing was told when officers finally caught up with her eight months later, she admitted she had allowed her house to be used for the cannabis farm.

She said she had been in debt and thought it was an ‘easy way to sort herself out,’ even though she didn't know how much she would get paid.

Police had also discovered more than £3,500 cash stuffed in plastic bags in a wardrobe at the property on Roe Greave Road, but it was said to be, the court heard, ‘sparring money’ belonging to her cage fighter partner.

Wilson, now 31, admitted permitting premises to be used for the production of cannabis.

The defendant, who has no previous convictions, was given an 18-month community order, with 18 months’ supervision and must attend a court-ordered programme. She was ordered to pay £40 costs.

Mercedeh Jabbari, prosecuting, said police went to Roe Greave Road, in November 2012. The defendant was present with her two children. They went with a view to speaking to her about unrelated matters.

Officers found the large drugs factory, and seized 40 cannabis plants, along with fans and lights.

Smaller plants were discovered in trays in a cupboard in the attic.

Miss Jabbari said Wilson was, at the time, 37 weeks pregnant and was not arrested.

Daniel King, defending, said it was accepted the mother-of-three would have gained financially.

He said: “She was pregnant, suffering from clinical depression and in financial difficulties and she was told she would receive some payment.”